Show a bit of pride in town

We can’t all decide on local planning issues (though we do get the chance to air our views, when asked) but the ordinary citizen is not powerless.

Do you remember the slogan of the 1970s? It was the snappy “Keep Britain Tidy”. If you look around Sudbury now, does it remind you of it?

Well, it’s up to us. It doesn’t take money, local by-laws or central legislation, just a sense of responsibility for our environment. When you see litter, pick it up. Save our Sudbury.

Start with the young, as every good movement must. Talk about it in the schools. I remember when my own children were little, all sweetie papers went into the anorak pockets (and woe betide you if you forgot to check before putting the clothes in the washing machine).

So, it’s “Save our Sudbury”, “Keep it Clean”, invent a slogan, write a ditty. How about a competition for the local schools?

And how about the older generation leading by example? I can’t believe that those at primary school are responsible for discarded cigarette ends.

And that most intractable and horrible disfigurement of all – chewing gum, walked into the pavements, everywhere.

Do people spit on the floor in their own homes? Well then, why do it in Sudbury? If Singapore and Switzerland can ban it, can’t we do likewise here?